Explained: Why Neymar's return to Brazil national team has been postponed after CBF talks with Al-Hilal forward

The 32-year-old star suffered an ACL injury in October 2023 that kept him out of action for a year. He recently returned to the pitch for his club Al-Hilal in an AFC Champions League clash and clocked 13 minutes. However, Globo reports that Neymar will not feature in the Brazil squad that will play two 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying games in November.

The medical team of the Brazil Football Federation (CBF), under the leadership of Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar, are monitoring Neymar's progress. The Selecao does not want to rush the player back on the pitch and instead will allow him to play more matches in club football and return to the national team with full fitness in March 2025.

The former Barcelona star was not registered with the Saudi Pro League at the start of the 2024-25 campaign due to his injury. However, the Brazilian will be eligible to return to action in the league in January. In the meantime, Neymar will be able to take to the field in the AFC Champions League.

Neymar will miss his club's high-voltage clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr this Friday in the Saudi league, but he could be back in action on November 4 against Iran's Esteghlal FC in the Asian Champions League.